AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 92, 18 April 1912, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Sydney, April 17. A lire at Germain destroyed a block in the centre of the town, including large stores and a hotel. There was no lire brigade. The damage is estimated at £31,000. _ , The Presbyterian Synod at the New Hebrides forwarded to the General Synod a series 'of resolutions declaring that the Hogging'of natives was not decreasing, and that flagrant offences against decency and norality were committed aboard French recruiting vessels. Kidnapping was also charged against the French recruiters. The resolutions conclude that unless the offenders, whether British or French, 'f.ro adconatoly punished, the a a joint Government, as far as the natives are concerned, is worse than a farce. (Received 18, 9.15 a.m.) Sydney, Api d 18. Miss Ada. Ward,' interviewed complained of the starvation wages she received as an evangelist, as .-.he could not shut her eyes to nhe _ fact that nearly the whole of the religious profession to-day is ' commercial affair. There wore exceptions, hut the prevailing passion was for money, money, money. (Received 38, 10.20 a.m.) Melbourne, April IS. There are still eleven uiousand boys attaining their fourteen years in tin present year, who are not registered for compulsory training. The latest estimates place the damage in the Germain hie at C 20.000. The (m> started in a large_store. It rapidly spread and demolished three other shops, the public hall, an i a fortyroomed hotel. _ A strong wind blowjug, made it impossible in the absence of a lire brigade to fight the flames. Since the imposition of £IOO fines, a very large number of cadets, who were previously prevented by then parents, have enrolled. (Received 18, 10.20 a.m.) Sydney, April 18. Arrived; Wanganui, nrarquentine. from Wanganui. The Antarctic ship Aurora has been docked. Serious damages to her bottom, endangering safety, were dis closed, received while landing store; at Macqnarrie Island. Mr Carmichael succeeds Mr Dacey .as treasurer. He continues to act a; Minister for Public Instruction.